Reading this book was difficult because I was depressed when I got it and more depressed at the concept that maybe I could control my thoughts and actions and pull myself out. Because if I couldn't and hadn't all this time, what had I been doing? Well, After I finally got into it, this book was non-judgemental and a great source of comfort. I was able to sort out so much angst and frankly fear that was holding me in place. I found a lot of road blocks in my path through focusing on some of the exercises. It's really a great book.

It's not going to replace medication.
It's not therapy.
It won't heal your inner child.

But it will help.

This is a beneficial self-improvement book that focuses on the idea of positive psychology, which includes things such as affirmations, thought replacement, and mindfulness. It seems so simple to consider positivity to help overcome depression but it really is a revelation. The way Dan Tomasulo lays out the ways to incorporate positivity into our everyday lives and struggles is helpful and easy to process. The use of various examples from his own practice allows readers to both see how it is applied and the possible outcomes. I personally plan on using a number of techniques in my own life. I definitely recommend this book.

* NetGalley gave this to me in exchange for an honest, unbiased review*

I was intrigued by this title as I aim to be an optimist in an often pessimistic world. It gave me some research to substantiate the benefits of positive thinking & exercises to practice ways to shift negative perceptions into more positive ones. I would definitely recommend this to anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, or a bad case of the blues. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Does have good points and exercises to do. Sort of a different look at ones attitude at work. Some research and persons stories added in to help with points.

I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy. It is a kind, compassionate book that breaks things down, and as a result, made it easier for me to understand what I am feeling. It made me feel a little less lost, and much more like I can do this.

Dr. Tomasulo has written a compassionate and practical guide on how to develop hope. If you didn't develop these skills in childhood (who did?) this is the book you need! Dan breaks hope down into seven practices that anyone can learn. Based in Positive Psychology and from his years as a psychologist, the techniques he shares in this book have helped hundreds of people. Warning: this is not a "just think happy thoughts" kind of book nor does it ask you to ignore reality. You will have to *do* the exercises he gives in order for it to change your life.

Dan's book couldn't have come at a better time. This is the perfect book if you're having trouble with your own thoughts or you want to develop a mental wellness self-care practice.

I really think he should be handing this book out on streetcorners: who couldn't use the skills to hope right now?

I am only half way through this book but it’s been a very enjoyable read so far. I feel like I’ve learned some good tips on how to change my mindset, which has been especially useful during this chaotic time.

Sometimes people who write psychology books have a tendency to come off as pretentious but the author really has an even mannered tone most of the time, which is refreshing. A lot of his suggested techniques are easy to employ in your everyday life. I wouldn’t say this book is going to instantly cure your sadness or anxiety—, there is no silver bullet, but practicing some of these techniques and changing your perspective can definitely be useful. I am also appreciative of the “growth mindset” approach being mentioned because it is an important mindset for both adults and children to practice.

Will update my review upon finishing!

As someone with low self-esteem, I was very hesitant that the techniques in this book would work, especially the ones that require the reader to identify their strengths. However, I was surprised that this book actually helped me. I cannot say that I am always happy and positive, but there are more days that I am now versus that I am not. This is an easy to utilize guide.

I really enjoyed this book and all of the practical advice offered on self-improvement. I highlighted so much helpful information and plan on applying it to my daily routine.

What I liked: the usefulness of the book, the writing style, and the ease of understanding the content.

I will be recommending this one to the people I care about! Thank you for this book.

This book is a great mix of practical strategies and psychological research, for those looking to overcome depression.

This is a great resource and guide to creating more happiness and optimism in one's life. It's full of great and practical tips and ideas.

As the field of positive psychology (the science based type) grows so does the ability of authors to write about it in a confident and engaging fashion. Learned Hopefulness is a chatty but well-stripped down exploration of exercises and approaches that will actually increase your sense of hope. I read it straight after I read The Science of Positivity by Loretta Graziano and the two compliment each other nicely. I'd been doing the exercises from Science of Positivity and started to feel mindset shifts in under a week; I'm now doing the self-image exercises from Learned Hopefulness.

I am very pleased to see that these experiments have some research backing. I am not at-all saying that science is our only source of information about joy - spiritual joy for instance is probably not open to scientific confirmation but it is still there - but I feel like I'm using my time well reading this book.